Scott Lesnick Previews Opening Keynote for #MACoCon

How can county leaders build stronger teams while navigating workforce challenges, emerging technology, and constant change?

In a new video message to attendees, opening keynote speaker Scott Lesnick shares a preview of what county leaders can expect during his Thursday morning keynote at MACo’s 2026 Summer Conference.

During the keynote, “Building What’s Next: Supporting Organizational Productivity, Collaboration & People Inside/Out,” Lesnick will explore leadership strategies for today’s public sector, including recruitment and retention, collaboration, communication, resilience, and helping organizations succeed in an environment where employees are continually asked to do more with less.

In his preview, Lesnick explains that attendees can expect practical conversations about evolving public services, leading through disruption, and supporting people while embracing change.

“We’re going to talk about collaboration, communication, productivity, and people… recruitment and retention… doing more with less… resilience… and how you can do things well when there’s disruption all over the place.”

Lesnick also encouraged attendees to take advantage of one of MACo’s greatest strengths—the opportunity to connect with fellow county leaders from across Maryland.

“Most importantly, this is a time for you to see a lot of great presenters and network with the people that understand what you do.”

The keynote takes place during the Welcoming Session on Thursday, August 13, from 9:00–10:15 AM. 

  • Title: Building What’s Next: Supporting Organizational Productivity, Collaboration & People Inside/Out
  • Description: Counties across Maryland are under pressure to deliver high-quality services in a world that’s changing fast. Public service employees—from frontline staff to department heads and elected officials—are navigating new expectations, tighter budgets, and rapid technological shifts, all while facing exhaustion, burnout, and constant uncertainty.  This keynote is designed to help county leaders and teams rethink how they lead, work, and support people. We’ll explore how to strategically adopt AI and emerging technologies in ways that truly support staff rather than overwhelm them, and how to protect employee well-being and belonging in an environment of “do more with less,” repurposed resources, and multi-generational and hybrid teams.  We’ll focus on recruitment and retention across all areas of public service, recognizing that talent is now one of the most critical issues for counties. You’ll learn how purpose-driven leadership—rooted in empathy, accountability, and clarity—can attract, grow, and keep great people.
  • Moderator: The Honorable MC Keegan-Ayer, Council Member, Frederick County

Be sure to register for MACo’s Summer Conference to attend this session and many more! 

MACo’s Summer Conference, “Build What’s Next,” will be held at the Roland Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, MD, on August 12-15, 2026.

Learn more about MACo’s Summer Conference: